Borough street wins title for festive lights display

King William Street, in Tyldesley, attracted more than 1,500 likes in less than 24 hours to become the runaway winner of the Our Town’s Got Christmas Spirit title.

After a challenging year for residents several events and activities have been organised by Wigan Council to showcase the strong sense of community spirit evident throughout 2020.

An extremely competitive shortlist went forward to a public poll on the council’s Facebook page last week.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “I would like to congratulate King William Street on a fantastic display and for fostering the community spirit that has been needed to pull everyone through a difficult year.

“The lights have put a smile on everyone’s face and we’re delighted to recognise them as the Christmas Street of 2020.”

With Wigan Borough’s streets already displaying Christmas cheer, the council was keen to recognise festive decorations as part of the competition.

The event is part of the Our Town campaign which aims to build on strength of the borough’s communities.

Resident Joanne Larter said everyone in the street banded together at the start of lockdown by starting a WhatsApp group so that neighbours could look out for each other.

She said: "This group quickly grew to something amazing and we soon became friends.

"Throughout lockdown, the group has become closer and closer, with multiple garden quiz and bingo nights, plus a wonderful VE day street party.

"After summer, thoughts turned to Christmas, with the neighbours each contributing into a pot to buy the lights. It took four months to organise, and was a big job, but they have turned out wonderfully. The have really brightened up our community that we have built after what has been a hard year for many."

The winning street has now been provided with its own special sign marking the achievement.

Coun Yvonne Klieve, Wigan Council’s lead member for district centres and the night-time economy, said: “Christmas is going to be different this year for many of us and while it’s really important for residents to follow the guidelines, a competition like this has helped to ensure people get into the Christmas spirit.

“Residents in King William Street have demonstrated the kind of community spirit that is central to the Our Town campaign.

She added: "It’s fantastic to see how well they look out for each other and making sure it is yet another street in the borough which is a friendly place to live.”

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